Canada Goes to War

Canada’s Response To WWI  In 1914 Canada was still a dominion of Great Britain  Great Britain still controlled It’s Dominions foreign policy  This meant that when Britain went to war Canada, along with the rest of the British Empire, also went to war.

Support  Canada automatically entered the war as part of the British Empire  Support for going to war in Europe was widespread  Canada offered Britain a force of men trained, equipped, and paid for by the Canadian government  While Canada only had regular army soldiers, it had over militia (citizen soldiers trained for emergencies)

Support Cont.  In 1914, Newfoundland was not a part of Canada, so while some Newfoundlanders joined Canadian regiments, most became members of the Newfoundland Regiment  To supplement Canadian forces, the government sent out a call for volunteers to join for $1 a day – over Canadians volunteered

The People’s Response  Responses to Canada’s involvement in the war varied.  Those Canadian’s of British decent were enthusiastic, while the Francophone (native French speaking) and population and the Maritime provinces were far less interested in Canadian involvement in a war overseas.  Why would the Canadiens and the Maritime provinces be less interested in going to war in Europe than those Canadian’s of British heritage?

Why Did They Join?  Sense of patriotism – Canadians felt proud to fight for their country, and many English Canadian felt strong sentimental ties to Britain (remember that recent immigrants from Britain were the first to volunteer)  Feelings of excitement and adventure – many young men viewed war as a “great adventure,” a chance to see the world, and the opportunity to be a hero

War Was An Exciting Opportunity!  The Toronto ‘Mail and Empire,’ Aug Cheer after cheer from the crowds of people who waited long and anxiously for the announcement of Great Britain’s position in the present conflict in Europe greeted the news that the Mother Country had declared war against Germany. Groups of men sang “Rule Britannia,” others joined in singing “God Save the King”; some showed their sense of seriousness of the situation by singing “Onward Christian Soldiers”…  Originally PM Robert Border offered Britain 25,000 troops, but 30,000 signed up in the first month.  Largely people thought the war would be over by Christmas.

War For Everyone?  Women were considered too frail and emotional to join in battle.  Women were supposed to support their male counterparts in going overseas.  Hundreds of women joined as nurses and ambulance drivers to serve overseas  Originally no Aboriginal males were allowed to enlist. Later this was retracted. African and Japanese Canadians were also carefully scrutinized.

Training the Troops  Sir Sam Hughes was Canada’s Minister of Militia and Defence at the beginning of the war  Hughes set up a training camp at Valcartier, Quebec  Troops were issued the Canadian-made Ross Rifle, which was good for sharp shooting, but poor in trench warfare (they jammed with mud)

Volunteers or Amateurs?  The majority of Canada’s volunteer military had no real training. They were rushed through general training. They were rushed through general training.  Soldiers who served Canada became patriotic and developed a national identity. We had always been British We had always been British The war carved out a new ‘Canadian’ image. The war carved out a new ‘Canadian’ image.

War Profiteers  War is often said to help economies.  War Profiteers are those who make a large profit making goods for war (shells, outfits, artillery, guns, etc.)  Canadians had to use poorly designed Ross Rifles and boots that fell apart in the rain. Joseph Flavelle was accused of profiteering

The War Measures Act (1914)  The War Measures Act gives the government the authority to do everything necessary for the “security defense, peace, order and welfare of Canada”  Under this act Cabinet does not have to submit its proposals to parliament for approval. The Cabinet can act without the legislature.  This allows the government to intervene directly in the economy of the country for the first time.

War Measures Act Cont’  This gave the government the right to strip ordinary citizens of their civil rights. Mail could be censored and Habeas corpus was suspended.  The government also used the War Measures Act to limit the freedom of “ enemy aliens” - recent immigrants and even citizens of Canada originally from the countries we were now at war with (i.e. Germany, Austria- Hungary, the Ukraine, etc.)  Many enemy aliens were sent to internment camps for the duration of the war

War Measures Act cont’  Censorship was also introduced – banned the publication of books and magazines in enemy languages  What is your opinion of the War Measures Act? Was it fair? Was it necessary?

Analyzing Recruitment Posters  We know that early on Canada had many troops volunteering to go and fight overseas. As time went on these numbers dried up and it fell on the government to convince men of fighting age to SERVE THEIR COUNTRY!  Using the sheet provided, critically analyze the recruitment poster you have been given making sure to write down your responses.  This activity will help you later in this chapter when we make our own Propaganda posters.